Gyroscopic steering apparatus.



J. C. WALDRON.

GYROSGOPIG STEERING APPARATUS.

APPLIOATIONILED MAB..6, 1908.

Patented Feb. 7, 1911.

7 SHEETS--BHEET 1.

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witness@ LQ. WALDRON. GYROSUOPC STEERING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.G,19UW;3.

Patented Feb. 7, 1911.

7 SHEETSSHEE'I' 2.

J. o. WALDRON.

GYROSGOPIC STEERING APPARATUS. l APLICATIONFILEDMAR. G, 1908. 983,467 Patented Feb.7,1911.

A @RWM/wonen l Wealoz y l a o e see @moge/4 J. 0. WALDRUNL GYROSCOPIC STEERING APPARATUS.

- APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6, 1908.

Patented Feb. 1911.

' :SHEETS-SHEET 4.

7 n0 A Qu 8 9 J. e. WALDRUN. GYRDSCOPIG ETEIRINI:y APPARATUS.

APPLGATION FILED MAR.G.1908.

Patented Feb. 7, 1911.

7 SHBETSWSHEET l \mml uvcuoz I GMW GYROSGOPIG STEERING APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED MAR.,19o8.

PanentedfFeb. v, 1911,.

7 SHEETS-SHEET li.

yx /70 J ffy/@26 :$5111 l' GHG/Macr J. C. WALDRON.

GYROSGOPIG STEERING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED 111111.61908.

Patented Feb. 7, 1911.

Howe I nu M'OZ i citizen of the United States,

` of the borough of Kings and State I Gyroscopic Steering Apparatus,

` to operate the gyroscope.

-. tion.

at right angles thereto, and the latter ring',

UmrD STATES 'PATENT oFFroE.

l Jenn WALDBON, 'or BROOKLYN, NEW Yoan.

--GYnoseorIe s'rnnnrne APPARATUS.

To (lll 'whom it may concerm,

i Be it known that LJOHN C. WaLDRon, a and a resident Brooklyn, inthe county of of New York, have invent-` ed certain new and useful Improvements in of whizh the following 1s a specification.

This invention relates to'y gyroscopic s Leering apparatus for vessels, torpedoes and thelike.

The invention is shown with 'a spring1 motori, although other means. can be use The spring motor described in this application will be claimed vin a separate applicai The invention l comprises Ameans for 'propeiling an object like a torpedo with angle lire, by virtue of which the torpedo can be started ina direction inclined to the. ultimate directionfit is to take, making aA curve after lleaving thefiring'tube and then traveling in a-straight line to the target.

With this invention the well known principle'of the constancy of direction of a rotating body supported in gimbal rings as exemplified in -the gyro'scope is practicallyapplied. The -gyroscope`comprises a rotative flywheel supported in aginibal 'ring,

which is fulcrumed 1n an outer gimbal ring is 'fulcrumed to the torpedo or vessel, so that the latter tan move out of the line of the axis of the fly wheel while ther said fly wheelby reason of its inertia maintains a constant plane of rotation.. There is consequently obtained a movement4 between the torpedo and the fly Wheel, which movement is used tozcontrol the rudder of the torpedo. TheI invention contains anovel cam device for properlyy locating the outerl gimbal ring in proper operative position. To spin the gyroscope a double sprin motor is shown, and to which are attache a pair of bevel gears actuated in opposite d1rect1ons. They bevel gears communicate" their rotations to a bevel pinion which drives a clutch for the gyroscope. The bevel gears acting at diametrically opposite points of. the said pinion equalize the strains thereon, and consequentl the strains on the shaft 'for thel clutch t at `connectsthe gyrbscope1` l 4 Fig. 16, Fig. 18 represents a section of Fig.

'4.on the line v18, 18, Fig. 19 shows an enwith said motor.

comprises a fluid `actuated steering engine,

a wide pedo with the shows a partial section of Fig. 1 on the line artial enlarged side view ofFigfQ, Fig. 4 1s a fragmentary top plani The appurtenancesfor the wide angle lire speculation ammirata., Patented Feb. 7,1911. Appncatiameg umn 6,1908. lserial, No. nasse.

the pistonlrod of Vwhich controls the position i of the rudder tiller.

, The engineis fitted with a valvechamber having an'4 outer/cylindrical valve andan inner tubular valve in the latter. Theinner tubular valve canbe oscillated by the Vily-1, The' outer cylin ducal-valve has means td rotate it relatwely wheel of the gyroscope.

to the tubular valve, so that lthe ports of the outer valve will allow 'a fluid to enter the engine and force the lpiston to one end olf its stroke and maintain -itin that position.4 The outer valve is moved in one direction to drive and locate the piston at one' end vof its stroke, .and the said valve is motedin an o posite direction to drive and locate the piston at the opppsite end of its'4 stroke.

These opposite 'positions ofuthe piston will bring and locate the rudder of the ytorpedo` .75

to either port or starboard and maintain the rudder in .such position until the vessel or torpedo makes its which instant thev inner tubular -valve is actuated to -coact with the-said outer valve, and the piston of the steering engine is brought to a central position,l and holds the rudder centrally to carry the torpedo or vesselih a straight direction.

Figure 1 represents the stern end of a torinvention therewith, Fig. 2

2, 2, Fig.3 is a view of the main portion of the invention,

, Fig. i'sa partial section of Fig. 4 on the line 5, 5, Fig. 6 shows an enlarged section of Fig. 5 on the line 6, 6,A Fig. 7 represents an enlarged section of Fig. -5 on the line 7, 7, Fig. 8 is a sectioniof Fig. 4 on the line 8, 8, Fig.9 represents a lefthand side View of Fig. 8 with the cap of the casing broken away,Fig. 10 shows a, partial front view .of

Fig. 4, Flg.

11 is a partial enlarged section of Fig.

4 on the lline 11, 11,`Fig. 12 is a partialenlarged section of Fig. 4 on f the line- 12, 12, Fig. 13 shows-a. partial section ,of

Fig. l1 on the `'line 13, 13, Fig. 14 represents an enlarged portion of Fig.' 13,` Fig. 14'a shows a partial enlar ed section of Flg. 14 on the line 14, 14, Fig. 15 is a partial section of Fig. 1,1 as on the line 15, 15, Fig. 16 is apartial section of Fig. 11 on the line 16, 16, Fig. 17 shows an enlarged portion of larged section of Fig. 4 on the line-.19, 19,

angle of divergence, at

Fig. is a section of Fig.v 4 on thejlilrie-- 20,- 20, Fig. 21 represents a sectionxtakeas on the line 21, 21 of Fig 20, Fig. 22 shows a section of Fig. 4 on the line 22, 22, Fig. 23

. represents a section ofFig. 4 on the line piston rod of the steering engine to be de# scribed. Ajbonnet 34 is bolted in position .with hull o f the torpedo, andbrackets 35 extend from a flange -36 to `support the casing 37 of the spring motor. The casing 37 is connected to an approximately spherical gy-v rosc'opic casing 38, 4which latter supports a steering engine 39, and has a flat front end 40 and a cap 41. The casing 37 is fitted with the top bonnet 42 and bottom bonnet 43,

. the said bonnets being bolted tothe casing 4 recess A nut 51 on the shaft 49 extends A into said recess and preventsthe longitudi 37 by the bolts v44. A vertical bearing 45 is formed in the bonnet 42 and a bearing46 'axially in line therewith -is yformed in the jbonnet 43, A hollow `journal bearing'47 is supported in the bearing 45, 4and a hollow journal 48 is supported in the bearin 46. lOne end of a shaft 49, is carriedrinthe gear- /ing 47, while the other end of said shaft is supported in the bearing 48, which has the nal displacement of the shaft 495 With the bearing-'47 is formed the disk 52, and with the bearing 48 is formed the disk 53. To the disk 52 is fastened the spring box 54,

which latter'has formed therewith the bevell gear 55. The spring box 54 carries the spiral spring 56 and which is fastened thereto by means of the rivet 57. The other end of the spring 56 is fastened to the collar -58 by mea-ns of the screw 59,l said collar being keyed to shaft 49 by the key 60.v To the disk 53 is fastened the spring box 62 which has formed therewith the bevel gear 63. The spring box 62 carries thespiral spring 64, and the latter is fastened to its box by means yof the rivet 65. The other end of the spring 64 is fastened to the collar'66 by means of the screw 67, said collar-being keyed .to the shaft 49 by the key 68. A sleeve 70 encircling the shaft 49 extends from the spring box 54 and enters a sleevefl extending from the spring box 62, the'lower of said sleeves bearing against a shoulder 73 formed with vthe sleeve 71. Thesprings 56 l and 64 are coiled in opposite directions. ,Ai

pinion 78 encircles and is keyed to bearing 47, and meshes with a spur gear 80 journaled lon a pin 81 fastened to the screw plug 82 supported in the bonnet 42. A pinion 83emtends from the spur gear'80 andmeshes with 'the spur gear'. 84 fastened to the Ashaft 85 that 1s supported in bearing 86 formed with end of the first the bonnet 42, and the bearing 87 formed with the bonnet 43.

On the shaft 85 are fastened `the cams 90 and 91. The cam ,90 is located the oblong opening 105 on the pin 94, the

upper end of which is carried on the bracket 99 secured in the lugs 100 extending from the casing 37. On the right hand end of the brake lever 93 are formed lugs 101 and 102,` which carry the pins l.103 aid 104 that sup.

port the ends of the brake strap 106 that is carried in the shoulderedportion 107 of the spring box 54. The cam 91 onthe lower portion of the .shaft 85 is in the path of the arm 1'10 ofthe brake lever 111 similar to 93. The brake lever 111 is carried on the lower 'end of the pin94.l The lefthand end of the brake lever 111 is pinned bymeans of the pin '112 to the forked shaped link 113, which latter .is also pinned to the pin 114 of the lugs 115 extending from the casing 37. On the right hand end vof .the brake lever 111 are formed lugs 120, 121 which carry the Eins 122, 123 that supportthev ends of the rake strap 126-carr1ed in the shoulderedportion 127 of the spring box 62.

An opening 130 is formed in the lflat end 40 of the spherical casingy 38 and carries e coupling bracket 131 havingithe boss144 'and the arms 132, 133 extending through said opening. formed with said arms and supports ,the collars 135, 136 of the shaft 137. With the collai- 136 is formed the bevel pinion 138. the teeth of which mesh with the teeth of both of the bevelgears 55 and 63.. From the collar 135 extends the squarev shaft 139. that is slidably supported in the bushing 140. In

the bearing 134 are supported the split linings 141, 142 by means o the screws 143, and which .prevent any longitudinal displace-` ment of the shaft- 137. The bushing 140 is l in the path: of the arm 92 of the brake lever 93. The `said brake lever 93 is supported by means of A journal bearing 134'is slidably carried in a cylindrical opening of the bracket 131.- In a shouldered groove 150 of the bushing 140 are located the members4` 151, 152 of a split ring which are bolted tolgather by means ofthe screws'153. The

said membersl1,1151 have thebosses 154 in which are located the s'crewpins 155. In the arm 133" of vthe bracket 131 is formed a fulcrumed the' arms 158 of a bracket 159, and the upper end of each arm 158 is connected to one ofthe screw pins 15,5, the. openings inthe arms 158 being elongated. The lowerend of .the bracket 159v terminates in the spherical head 160. Y

1 boss l'thatsecures afpin `1 57 "on which are esem# On -the shaft" 85 is fastened the double-l grooved cam drum 165 having thecircurnferent-ial groove 166,Y the heart-shaped groove 167 and the top cam. 168. The

\ ,spherical head 160 engages with the heart shped lgroove 167.

rom the back faces of the bevel Vgears 55, 63 yextend stops 170 and 174 that can en.-

gage withthe latch bolts 171 having thev notches 173 and guided in the brackets 172 extending from the casng 37. To' the said casing 37 is also bolted the" locking cylinderv l opening 183. The iston rbd `181 is fiattenedf at its outer en and pinned to both of the bell cranks 184 by means of the pin 185'. Each -of the bell cranks 184 are fulcrulned onthe screw pins186 extending" from the lugs 187, which latter project from the casing 37. f' The varms y188 of the bell cranks 184 engage with the notches 173 in the latch -bolts'171. A screw cap'v'l89 'on the inlet plug- 176 clamps 'thepiping 190 for conducting air or other fluid pressure into the cylinder 175, thereby moving tl-repiston 180 and bell cranks 184, by means of which the latch bolts 171 are disengaged 'from lthe ,stops 170. Y

' The 4gyroscope casing 38 is .thickened at its lower portion 195, Where it has a threaded opening for thepivot 196. `In the upper portion ofl said casing 38 is formed a l"roller bearingl box 197, in which is located the ballbearmg supporting plate 1 198 and ring 199. for the ba-ll `bearings `200.

. 40 A; cap 201is fastened-to the boxv 197 'to hold the elements therein in 'place An outer' gimbal ring`205 is locatedin the casingV '38 and has formed with its lower portion an adjusting cam 206. having a radial' axial .Opening 208 is located centrally Within said'qam and engages with` the pivot 196.4 From thefu'pper end ofthe gimbal ring 205 extend'sthe pivot bracket 209, with the pivot 210 'that .engages the 5o roller bearings 200 in the boxV 197. The

l pivot 210 carries the spur gear 211.\ The gimbal ring 205 has extending from its sides and in a plane at right angles to the axial line of the pivots 19,6"and 210, the' ivots 212 for the inner` gimbal ring 213.

ing supports 214 for thev pivots'212. The

inner gunbal ring 213 has ,formed there-' with threaded4 bosses 215, which are in the same'planeas the ivots 212 but atV right angles thereto. Bal bearing supports com prising the` members 220 are engaged with the'threadedbosses 215, and carrythe ball bearin s 221. A shaft 222 is supported in the ro ler vbearings 220 and carriesthe ,ily'v-v 'In the said cylinder is 'orrned'anv he ring 213 earn-ies axially in vline the bear- A pivot support 207 v support. the cylinder 265 of the steering en- -wheel- 223, which' latter is-kept in place on itsshaft by means of the lock ringsy 224 en gagi'ng the threaded 4portions ..225 of the shaft222. .The flyV Wheel 223 is composedy of they spider 230 andthe rings 231 which are clamped tosaid spider by means of the rivets 232:"to form the rim. One end of the l shaft 222 hasy `extending therefrom the square end 226 that can engage with 'the bushing 140. One of the bearings 220 is `threaded for the plug 227 which carries a threaded spindle 228y having theA counter'- Wei'ghts 229L` p 4 From the coupling'bracket 131 extend the `lugs 235 in which is fulcrumed Aon the pin 236, the gyroscope adjusting lever 237,V

which latter has journaled at its ends the rollers 238, 239. The. roller 238, is located to engage with the cam 206, and the roller 239 engages with the top cam 168. A

' spring 240 extends from the casing 38 and bears up against the lever237.

Onthe boss 144 of the bracket131 is ful-` crumed the locking lever 245, which -is held in place by the collar 246 fastened to the boss 144. The lever 245 has formed theres Withr the teeth 247 at its fulcrurned end and the other `end thereof has pinned thereto on the pin 248 the arms 249, anda spring 250 bears between the toe7251 of the arms 249 and the end 252 of the locking lever 245.

l Fromfthe bracket- 131 extends the screw pin 253 on which isfulcrumed the toothed sector254. Adink 255 is `pinned to the sector 254 atits upper end vand to its lower end is pinned' the arm 256 that is fastened to` a pin .257, the latter being'fulcrumed in a the casing 38. To the pin 257 is secured an arm 258 that carries the roller 259 which latter engages with the groove 166. A pin ybearing extendingV from the flat endv40`- of 260 extends from the casing 38 and is in the y path of the me 251. l 4,

Lugs 264 .extend fromv the casing 38 -to gine 39, bolts 266 clamping the said cylinder 1n;place. Apiston 267 is located in the cylinder 265 and from it extends the piston l rod @268, that'passes throughthe gland 269A of thestufling boxwith the packing 270.1V A

bracket271 extends from the piston rod 2685 tothe threadedend 272; of `the worm'shaft 273 and is held thereon by means of the jam nuts 274. A small amountpf clearance is allowed between'ttle bracket andjjam nuts. The Worml shaftshas the worm' 275', andv the" square portion 276`atone end.` .Th`e`cylindrical portion o'f thershat 273 can slide andV turn in the guide 277 .of the cylinder, and A the square portion 276 slides yin the barrel 278 of the bevel "gear`279,v The said barrel.

278 rotates in the-split bearing 280, `vvhichlatter is kept in place by A"means of the screw 281,@ A bevel gear285 gears vvith the bevel gear `27 9 and is' secured to'` the vertical ythe boss 287 of the journal bracket 288 extending from the cylinder 265 and carries-a bevel gear 289. A second boss 290 of the bracket 288 supports'one end of'a shaft 291- (see Fig. 2) having the bevel gear 292 fastened thereto, which latter meshes with I journaled in the bracket 293,"the beveled ..valVe 298.

` gear 321.

bevel gear 289. The other end of the shaft 291 is journaled in a bracket 293 fastened to the shell 30y of the torpedo. On tli'eshaft 291 is also fastened the bevel gear 294.v A combined bevel andA spur gear 295 is also portion thereof gearing withthe bevel gear 294, and t-he spurgear portion thereof gearing with a spur gear of the launching tube not shown. 1'

vv'A valve chamber 296 is formed with the cylinder 265 and contains the outer cylin' Y.

drical Valve 297 which contains the 'tubular on thevalve chamber 296. A threaded plug 300 contains the inlet portv 301 that leads to the central circumferential port 302 formed wi'th'..the outer valve 297, which latter is shown in its central position. From the circumferential port 302 extends the radial inlet ort 303 that connects with the cen- -tral circumferential port 325 of the inner tubular valve 298'l From the latter extend respectively the upper and lower inlet ports 304, 305 on the-outer surface of the tubular valve 298. The port 304 can engage Awith the upper radial port 306, that leads to an upper circumferential port 307 of the outer valve297. The port 305 can engage with the lower radial port 308 which leads to the` lower circumferential port 309 of the valve,

297. The port 309 leads to the duct 310 that connects with the vertical port 311, and. horizontal ports312 and 313 formed in the valve chamber 296. The port 313 leads into one end of the cylinder 265. The upper circumferential port 307 in the outer valve '297 connects with -the duct 315 in the valve chamber 296, and 'the said duct 315 connects with the vertical port 316 and the horizontal ports 317, 318 that connect with the other end-of the cylinderv265. The tubular valve. 298 also has'formed on its outer surface the upper semi-annular inlet duct 326 which connects with the vertical inlet yport 304, and the upper semi-annular outlet duct 327 which connects with the upper outlet port 328 in the valve 298. A 'lower semi-annular inlet duet 329 is alsol formed on thelvalve 298 which connects with the inlet duct 305. A lower semi-annular outlet duct 330 on the valve 298 connects with the lower outlet port 331 in valve 298. On 4the ou'ter valve 297 is fastened'a'worm wheel 320, and to the inner tubular valve 298 is fastened the spur' 320 mesh with the worm 27 5 of the worin The upper portion of the valve .298-is threaded for the nut 299 that bears The teeth of the worm wheel 'semer shaft 273, and the teeth' of the spur g'geari321 l do Y mesh with teeth of the vspur gear 211.

To o erate the invention for a tor and be ore the latter leaves the laune ing vtube tnot shown) the outer 'valve 297 is set by means of an index on-said tube-,which actuates the combined gein-r 295, and the lat- A ter through the shafts 291 and l286 with their gears turns the worm shaft 273. v The latter turns ythe worm wheel 320 fastened to said outer valve 297, and brings it in pro er position for the fiuid to enter thecylin er 265.to force vthe piston to one end of its stroke, depending upon the directionfin which the index has beenv turned. The springsare wound up by inserting 'a key "into the socket 50 before putting the'torpedo into the launching tube. When the.. springs are wound up the train of gears 78, 80, 83 and 84 rotate the shaft 85, causing the `cams 90.an d` 91 on said'shaft 85 to engage the arms 92 and 110 to thereby release the brake straps 106 a'nd 126 ofthe sprin `boxes 54 and 62.- The 'drum 165 is limited to one revolution, by reason of the gears 78, 83 and 84I producing a velocity Vratio of two to one between thepshaft 85 andthe shaft 49, and when the springmotor is woundy up theY shaft 49' is turned two revolutions. The motor does not perform any work when Ithe strap brakes 106 and 126 release the spring boxes 54and 62. During the rotation of the cam drum 165, the lever 237 causes its roller 238 to bearvup against the adjusting cam 206 of the outer gimbal ring 205, to bring it 'to a-plane at right ,angles to the longitudinal axis of thetorpedo, and the'gearl 211 meshing with'the gear 321 on the valve 298 brings the latter in its central position. The [said drum 165`also bylmeans of the groove 166 guidesvthe roller 259, so that through its linked connections it moves the sector 254. The latter aetuates the locking lever 245, that causes the arms 249 to bear up againstthe bottom face lof the inner gimbal ring 213, by virtue of ,which said ring is brought to a horizontal position.

The axis of the fly wheel is thus brought in line with the axis of the torpedo, so that its square end- 226 can be engaged by the square opening in the bushing 140 of the clutch.

After the square end 226 has been properly located, the heart-shaped groove 167 in. the

drum 166 by means of the spherical head moves the bracket 159, the arms 158 ofy `which latter move the bushing 140 to en gage with the square end 226 of .the fly Wheel shaft 222. Next the torpedo is shot froln'the launching tube and lmmediately` a'propeller'engine therein (not shown) is 'started by the contact of a hook leverv in the tube engagingwith a starting lever in the -torpedo (not shown) which opens valves in a vpipe extending from an air reservoir, to

said engine and to the branch pipes and 332. The pipe 190 leads flixid pressure against'the t iston 180 in the locking'cylin- .starting the gyroscope before the torpedo leaves the tube. The pipe 332 at `the same time conducts fluid pressure to the valve chamber 296 throu h the port 301 and 'enters the central circum` erential port 302. From the longitudinal axis of the torpedo, radial port 306 is then opposite the bridgethe port 302 it enters the radial port 303 from whichiit is led to the central circum erential port 325 of the tubular valve 298. The fluid then enters the uppervinlet port 304 and lower inlet port 305. From the port 304 the duid enters thefsemi-annular inlet duct 326, and from the port305 it enters the semi-annular inlet duct 329. As soon as the outer cylindrical valve 297 is turned :trom the central position in which it is shown, by means of the indexing appurtenances toits predetermined angle, then the semi-annular inlet duct 326 is brought in communication with the port 306, or the semi-annular duct 329 is brought in communication' with portl 308, and pressure is allowed to enter either end of the cylinder and forces the piston to either end thereof. i

When the inlet duct 326 is brought in communication with the upper radial port. 306, the outlet duct 330 is brought in com munication with the radial port 308 and exv haust takes place from the cylinder by way of the ports 313, 312, 311 duct 310, ports 308, 309, 331 and into and through the axis of valve 298, When the inlet duct '329 communicates with the lower radial port308 exhaust taires place from the cylinder by way of the ports 318, 317, 316, duct 315, port 307 306 and 328 and into and through the axis of the valve 298. When the torpedo has `made its predetermined angle then thev inner valve 298 is again brought to its oentral position, by reason of the angle between the axis of the tlywheel of the gyroscope and The between the orts 304 and 328, and the port 308 is opposite the bridge between the ports 305 and 331 maintaining the piston 267 in a central position as soon as the latch bolts 171 are disengaged from the stops 170 and 174 of the spring boxes 54 and 62', the said bones with their bevel gears and `63 are rotated in opposite directions by reason of the recoil of the springs 56 and 64, which rotetes the bevel inions 138 and spinsthe ily wheel 223 ot t e gyroscope. At'the same time the train oit geais 7 8, 80, 83tand 84 are turned, which turns the shaft 85 with itsdruni 165 and earns 90 and 91n TheV arms 92 and 110, then cause the brake -straps 106 and 126 to engage the spring boxes 52 andv 64 to hold or stop them, which consequently `steer the torpedo in a straight line.

stops the bevel gears v55 and 63. The turning-of the drum 165 causes its -top cam 168 to lift the'roller 239 of the lever 237 to release the roller 238 from the face of the adjusting cam 206. The circumferential groove 166 of. the drum 165 engaging the roller 259 of the arm 258 causes the sectorl 25,4: through its link connections 253, 255 and 256 to release the locking lever 245 from the inner \gimbal rino' 213. The heart shaped groove 167 of the drum 165 engagfg ing the spherical Ahead 160 of the bracket 159 causes thehushing 140 to become disengaged from the square4 end -226 of the shaft V222. vThus the gyrosco e and the 4motor are completely disengage When the piston is 1n its central y osition and if lfor anyreason the torpedo eviates from its straight path 'the inner valve 298 is rotated in one ldirection or the other, by

Aas

the action of the gyroscope to allow pres-y f sure to be brought against one side or the piston, which motion is transmitted-to the rudders 31, and steers the torpedo to take .its straight predetermined path. While the piston is thus moving 'its motion .is transmitted through the bracket 271 to the worm 275, which latter actingas a rack against the worm wheel 320 actuates the outer valve, and-turns to a new central positionA relatively to the inner valve, the ports between a the two valves beingthercby blocked against each other. 'The rudders are by this blocked lposition of the valves kept locked in their osition to port or starboard,

new angular until their action is Jfelt bythe torpedo and the latter answers the said new position oit the rudde'rs. At the same time thegyroi scope maintaining its, original direction causesthe inner valve to turn to counteract the new. direction Vgiven to the torpedo, and

it this new direction moves the torpedo beyoud Aits original stra-ightJ direction, the gyroscope moves the inner valve which coacting with the outer valve,l again allows pressure te enter the cylinder utin the opposite end thereof, to move the rudder 1n an opposite direction. These reverse actions ot the rpressure are kept up consecutively to clearance between the bracket27 1 and the jam `nuts 274 allows the piston and consequently the rudders to movea little betere actuating the outer valve.

Having described my inventionl claim: i 1, The combination 1n a gyroscopic steering apparatus oit a spring motor, a shalt driven by said motor, a cam drum on the shaft, anl outer gimbal ring tulcrumed in the ap arable, an inner gnnbal ring Kiiulcruniecl) in the said outer ring, a d wheel journaled in thefinner ring, an a justing canieitormed with the outer gimbal ring, a levervfulcrumed 'in the apparatus, a roller on each end of; said lever, one o1 said roll- The' isa

ian

" Cam.

ers en `aging the cam drum and the other roller ocated to engage the said adjusting D l2. The combination in a gyroscopic steering apparatus of a casing, an outer gimbal ring fulcrumed in said casing, an inner gim' bal ring fulcruined in the said outer ring, a' liy Wheel journaled in vthe inner ring, a

steering engine connected to the casing, av

a pair of coacting Valves for the engine,

means to set one of said valves to steer a vessel in a predetermined are, and connections between the other Valve and the gyroscopic apparatus to steer the vessel in a straight pat-h.

4. The combination with a gyroscopic apparatus of a. steering gear and engine, an inner tubular valve for said engine, an outer valve encircling said tubular valve, means to set said outer valve, and connections between the gyroscopic apparatus and the inner valve v 5. The combination with a gyroscopic apparatus for a vessel of a steering gear, a steering engine for the apparatus, an inner tubular valve for the engine, an outer valve encircling said tubular valve, a combination of elements extending from the outer Valve 'to outside of the shell ofthe Vessel-to set the outer Yalve, and gearing connecting the gyroscopic apparatus with the said inner t-ubular valve. Y

6. The combnat-ion`with a gyroscopic apparatus for a vessel of a steering gear, a steering .engine in the Vessel, a cylinder for said, engine, a' piston in the engine, a Valve chamber for the cylinder, an inner tubular valve in said'chamber, an outer Valve en-l circling said tubular valve coact-ing ports in the valves, a gear connected to the gyroscope, a'gear connected to `the tubular valve, the teeth of said gears meshing with each other, a gear connected to the louter valve, and connections extending from the latter gear to the outside of the said Vessel to set the outer valve in a predetermined position.

7. The combination Awith a gyroscopic ap# paratus for a Vessel of a steering ear, a steering engineiii the vessel, a cylin er for said engine, a piston inthe engine, a valve chamber foi the cylinder, an inner tubular. "valve in said, chamber, an outer yalve lencircling lsaid tubular valve, coacting ports in the Valves, a gear connected tothe gyroe scope,`a gear connected to theztu'bular valve,

the teeth of said gears meshing with each other, a gear connected to the outer valve, connections extending from the latter gear to the outside of the said vessel to set the outer Valve in a predeterminedposition, and

a connection between said outer Valve and the piston of t-he engine.

8. The combination with a steering engine of a cylinder, a piston therein, a valve chamber for the cylinder, a cylindrical outer` valve in said chamber, a tubular valve iin said outer valve, a central circumferential port formed on the outer cylindrical sur# face ofthe outer Valve, an inlet port in thev valve chamber connecting with said circumferential port, a radial inlet port in the outer valve connecting with-'its circumferential port, a central circumferential port on the outer surface of the 'tubular valve connecting with the radial inlet port of the outer Valve, upper and lower inlet ports on the outer surface of the tubular Valve con-l necting with the cent-ral circumferential port of said tubular Valve, a radial inlet port through the outer valve connecting with the upper inlet port of the tubular Valve, and the latter radial port leading to an upper circumferential port of the outer valve, a lower radial port through the outer Valve connecting with the lower inlet port of the tubular valve .and a lower circumferential port on the outer valve connecting with the latter radial port, ports in the valve chamber leading to one end of the cylinder connecting with the upper circumferential port of the outer Valve, ports in the Valve chamber `of the cylinder connectingwith the other end of the cylinder and the said lower circumferential port of the outer valve, an upper semi-annular inlet duct `on the tubular valve connecting with the upper port thereon, an upper semi-annular outlet duct on the tubular valve and an outlet port eX- tending from the latter to the axis-of the tubular valve, a lower semi-annular inlet duct on the outer tubular valve connecting with the'lower inlet port thereon, a lower semi; annular outlet duct von the tubular valve and a lower outlet port on the tubular Valveextending from the latter duct'to the axis thereof. i

' 9.The combination in a gyroscopic steering apparatus of an engine, a cylinder for said engine, a piston in the cylinder, a piston rod for the piston, a valve lchamber for the cylinder, an outer cylindrical valve in the said valve chamber, ports in said Valve, a tubular Valve in the outer valve, ports in the tubular valve coacting with the ports of the outer valve, a spur gearion the tubular valve, a gyroscope, an' outer gimbaly ring for the gyroscope, a spur gear 4connectedwith said outer gimbal ring, the teeth of the latter spur gear meshing with the teethof the spur gear connected with the tubular valve,

sov

- to rotate the Worm shaft.

'19. The combination in a gyroscopic steering apparatus of an engine, a cylinderfor said engine, a piston in thecylinder, a pis'- ton rod for the piston, a valve chamber for the cylinder, an outer cylindrical'valve in l the said valve chamber, ports in said valve,

a tubular valve in the outer'valve, ports in the tubular valve coacting'with' the ports of the outer valve, a spur gear on the tubular valve, a gyroscope, an outer gimbalring for the gyroscope, a spur gear connected with said outer gimbal ring, the teeth, of the lateter spur gear meshing with the teeth of the spur gear connected with the tubular valve,

a Worm wheel on the said-outer cylindrical valve, a bevel gear journaled with thecylinder, a square opening in the hub of said bevel gear, 'a Worm shaft parallel to the piston rod of the cylinder supported at one end in a cylindrical guide therein, a squared portion at the other end of the cylinder guided in the square opening in the hub of said bevel gear, a Worm on the Worm shaft meshing with said Worm wheel, a bracket extending between the Worm shaft and the piston rod of the engine', and means to rotate said bevel gear.

lSigned at the boroug of Manhattan in the county of New York and State of New York this 29th day of February A. D. 1908.

JOHN C. VALDRON,

lVitnesses:`

M. HETHER, .MARTIN ZIMANSKY. 

